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Part of the job of owning a home is being able to create your aesthetic, both inside and out. From paint choice to décor, there are ample opportunities to create a unique place of your own. One part of this is landscaping.
Most homeowners have a yard, but not everyone puts a lot of effort into setting their house apart from the rest.
Whether you decide to invest in beautiful topiaries, exquisite statues, or even something as simple as a well-curated flower bed, here are ideas to help you get inspired.
We’ve rounded up 30 unique landscaping ideas to spruce up your backyard or front yard space to distinguish your home from the rest.
1. A Modern Garden
ThomBal/Shutterstock
This modern garden is not what you’d expect when thinking of a traditional garden.
The neutral stone rocks create a backdrop for the pop of green provided by the foliage. Carefully curated circular shrubs are the focal point here in this beautiful, clean, modern garden.
2. Metal Garden Arch
Julietphotography/Shutterstock
Update a classic arch by keeping it clean and not overrun by invasive greenery.
Adding a pop of color makes for an inviting atmosphere.Try installing the arch at the beginning of a driveway for a more regal vibe.
3. Modern Zen Garden
Verdell Galeana/Shutterstock
The modern zen garden is both appealing to the eye and the soul with its square aesthetic.
The small, square ponds and cool, grey stones offer a nice place to relax.This corner of your backyard can be the perfect area for the end of a long day.
4. A Literal Flower Bed
Eric Buermeyer/Shutterstock
This avant-garde flower bed is for the lighthearted. Bury the bed and add colorful flowers for a landscaping idea that will get attention.
5. Mushroom Stone Sculpture
Maciej Dubel/Shutterstock
A stone structure for the playful, the mushroom stone sculpture is both cute and classic.
Add this to your garden to bring a bit of life to an otherwise ordinary flower garden.
6. Cubed Trees
OleksandrO/Shutterstock
Add some symmetry to your yard with something like these unique, square-cut trees.
This idea will help trim down some front yard trees while adding originality to the project.
7. Planted Ombre Flowers
DVY/Shutterstock
Not a traditional ombre, but planting flowers in diagonal rows in various shades ofthe same color adds an extra level of thoughtful design to your yard.
8. Retro Flower Baskets
Maciej Dubel/Shutterstock
Use flower baskets to give your front porch or front yard a unique planting style. You can even mix these wicker baskets into your garden or backyard landscaping.
9. Cacti Garden
Ruslan Malysh/Shutterstock
Don’t be afraid to use cacti to spice up your landscaping space. Cacti thrive in more dry environments, so if you live in a warmer climate, look into adding cacti to your yard.
10. Bonsai Trees
Piboon Suwankosai/Shutterstock
Though they’re small, bonsai trees live for an extremely long time. They’re also used for meditation due to their specific upkeep needs.
So, why not plant a tree in your backyard and reap the rewards of taking care of your own bonsai?
11. Animal Stone Sculpture
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Adding a fun, animal-shaped stone sculpture to your yard will add something extra to your home beyond the classic gnome.
12. Animal Topiary
Olga Vasilek/Shutterstock
Take your garden to the next level by commissioning a piece of art made from shrubs!
13. Colorful Stone Tiles
Mattckaiser/Shutterstock
Upgrade your run-of-the-mill grey stone walk with colorful stone tiles like these.
14. Fountain Centerpiece
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If you have the space for a fountain, bring one in to give your garden a central focal point. Add greenery and flowers to encircle the fountain for an extra touch of color.
15. Modern Bridge Design
Moolkum/Shutterstock
This modern, wood-planked bridge will provide the perfect break from the greenery. Mixing wood and flowers translates well for a modern look.
16. Rock Garden
ThomBal/Shutterstock
Not into plants? Use different colored rocks for a bit of separation from the standard grey color scheme.
If you’re feeling creative, place the stones in a design of your choice for a beautiful rock garden.
17. Tulip Cluster Garden
Sanmongkhol/Shutterstock
Not everyone thinks of tulips when they think of what to make the focal point of their garden, but these tall-stemmed flowers look great standing above the rest.
18. Swirling Pond
Bushidoh/Shutterstock
Take your pond to the next level by implementing a swirl design to direct the water flow to another area and add something unique to your space.
19. ZigZag Garden
Jeep2499/Shutterstock
Use both flowers and shrubs to create a strict but colorful pattern that weaves its way in front of your home or business.
20. Floating Stepping Block
AePatt Journey/Shutterstock
Spice up the walkway with these blocks that give the illusion of floating. Contrast dark and light colors for the ultimate effect.
21. Luxurious Waterfall
Travis Wolfe/Shutterstock
Add in these unique waterfalls that seem to come out of the greenery on the side of the home.
The waterfalls can go into a pond, but if you have an unlimited budget, they look really cool going into a pool.
22. Hit the Lights
F.Schmidt/Shutterstock
Simple but effective lighting can elevate your current landscape. These glowing globes sit right on the lawn and add a sense of wonder to your already completed look.
23. Maze Inspiration
Konmac/Shutterstock
Take inspiration from the classic maze and implement it on a smaller scale. You can use the classic trees cut into a maze or combine flowers and cement to create one.
24. Walls of Green
Alison Hanco*ck/Shutterstock
Though it can be time-consuming and upkeep may be a challenge, using greenery on the side of a building is a great way to show your personality to passersby.
25. Use Large Flower Pots
Ludmila Kapustkina/Shutterstock
Flower pots can be part of the landscaping design as well. Use the coloring of the flowers to your liking and find flower pots that make a statement.
26. Or Old Shoes
Andre_K/Shutterstock
An old shoe can also be used for flower pots if you are the eccentric type!
27. Swirling Tree
Klara_Steffkova/Shutterstock
This classic but beautiful tree cut into the shape of a swirl will bring character to your yard.
28. Colorful Fence
Chaphot/Shutterstock
Sometimes a fence is necessary for privacy, but you can upgrade it with everyday items like fans or even flowers.
29. Glass Bottle Fence
VPales/Shutterstock
Speaking of fences, you may need to add on when you are building your design. You can recycle items like empty bottles to make a fence that is unique to you.
30. Seashell Accents
AVN Photo Lab/Shutterstock
Seashells aren’t just for the beach. Try adding some to your yard, along with some ancient-looking pots, for a complete look. We think this idea would look great in coastal-themed homes.
Things to Consider
As with all DIY projects, it is important to consider a few things before you embark on a landscaping project:
- Will you have the energy to execute this project yourself?
- You may need to save up for a while to afford the renovations
- Will you need to outsource the entire project to a professional company?
Either way, these ideas can offer inspiration to you for any budget or need.
Which Landscaping Idea Will You Choose?
Choosing a landscaping design can be challenging, but it allows you to harness your creativity and build a certain pride in your project. And our landscaping idea roundup is a great place to start.
Regardless of what features or influences you use as inspiration, ensure that you are equipped to take on the project you have set your sights on, and most importantly, have fun!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in landscaping and garden design, I have firsthand experience and a deep knowledge of various concepts that can be used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. From modern gardens to unique sculptures, I can provide valuable information on all the concepts mentioned in the article.
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A Modern Garden: A modern garden incorporates clean lines, neutral stone rocks, and carefully curated circular shrubs to create a beautiful and contemporary look.
-
Metal Garden Arch: Adding a metal garden arch to your landscape can create an inviting atmosphere. By keeping it clean and adding a pop of color, you can achieve a regal and stylish vibe.
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Modern Zen Garden: A modern zen garden offers both visual appeal and a place for relaxation. With square ponds and cool grey stones, this design provides a serene and tranquil space.
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A Literal Flower Bed: For a lighthearted and avant-garde touch, bury a flower bed and add colorful flowers. This unique landscaping idea is sure to catch attention.
-
Mushroom Stone Sculpture: Adding a stone sculpture shaped like a mushroom brings a playful and classic element to your garden. It adds life and character to an ordinary flower garden.
-
Cubed Trees: Create symmetry in your yard by incorporating unique, square-cut trees. This idea trims down front yard trees while adding originality to your landscaping project.
-
Planted Ombre Flowers: Planting flowers in diagonal rows with various shades of the same color adds a thoughtful design element to your yard. It's a creative way to showcase your love for flowers.
-
Retro Flower Baskets: Use flower baskets to give your front porch or yard a unique and vintage planting style. Mix these wicker baskets into your garden or backyard landscaping for a charming touch.
-
Cacti Garden: Don't be afraid to incorporate cacti into your landscaping space. These plants thrive in dry environments, making them an excellent choice for warmer climates.
-
Bonsai Trees: Planting bonsai trees in your backyard not only adds a touch of nature but also provides an opportunity for meditation due to their specific upkeep needs. These trees can live for an extremely long time.
-
Animal Stone Sculpture: Adding a fun animal-shaped stone sculpture to your yard brings a whimsical touch beyond the classic gnome. It adds personality and charm to your outdoor space.
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Animal Topiary: Take your garden to the next level by commissioning shrubs to be shaped into art pieces. Animal topiaries create an eye-catching and unique focal point in your landscape.
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Colorful Stone Tiles: Upgrade your grey stone walkway with colorful stone tiles. This simple addition adds vibrancy and visual interest to your outdoor space.
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Fountain Centerpiece: If you have the space, consider adding a fountain as a central focal point in your garden. Surround it with greenery and flowers to create a harmonious and colorful display.
-
Modern Bridge Design: Incorporate a modern, wood-planked bridge into your landscape to provide a break from the greenery. Mixing wood and flowers creates a contemporary and inviting look.
-
Rock Garden: If plants aren't your preference, use different colored rocks to create a visually appealing rock garden. You can arrange the stones in a design of your choice for a unique and beautiful display.
-
Tulip Cluster Garden: Stand out from the crowd by making tulips the focal point of your garden. These tall-stemmed flowers add elegance and beauty to any landscape.
-
Swirling Pond: Enhance your pond by implementing a swirling design to direct the water flow and add a unique touch to your space. This creates a visually captivating feature in your garden.
-
ZigZag Garden: Create a colorful pattern by using flowers and shrubs to weave a zigzag pattern in front of your home or business. This design adds a sense of structure and visual interest.
-
Floating Stepping Block: Spice up your walkway with floating stepping blocks that give the illusion of levitation. By contrasting dark and light colors, you can achieve a captivating and magical effect.
-
Luxurious Waterfall: Add a touch of luxury to your garden with unique waterfalls that appear to emerge from the greenery. These waterfall features can be directed into a pond or pool for a stunning effect.
-
Hit the Lights: Elevate your landscape with simple but effective lighting. Glowing globes placed on the lawn add a sense of wonder and enchantment to your outdoor space.
-
Maze Inspiration: Draw inspiration from classic mazes and create a smaller-scale version using trees or a combination of flowers and cement. This adds an element of playfulness and intrigue to your garden.
-
Walls of Green: Show your personality to passersby by using greenery on the side of a building. While it may require time-consuming upkeep, this landscaping idea creates a visually striking and unique display.
-
Use Large Flower Pots: Incorporate large flower pots into your landscape design. Choose flowers with colors that complement your overall theme and select pots that make a statement.
-
Or Old Shoes: For the eccentric types, repurpose old shoes as flower pots. This unconventional idea adds a touch of quirkiness and creativity to your garden.
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Swirling Tree: Add character to your yard with a tree shaped into a swirl. This classic yet beautiful design element becomes a focal point that stands out.
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Colorful Fence: Upgrade your fence by adding everyday items like fans or even flowers. This creative approach turns a functional item into a decorative element that enhances your outdoor space.
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Glass Bottle Fence: If you need to add a fence, consider recycling empty bottles to create a unique and environmentally friendly barrier. This idea allows for customization and personalization.
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Seashell Accents: Bring the beach to your yard by incorporating seashells and ancient-looking pots. This idea works particularly well in coastal-themed homes, adding a touch of coastal charm.
When considering any landscaping project, it's important to evaluate your energy and time constraints. Determine whether you can execute the project yourself or if you need to outsource it to a professional company. Remember, these ideas can be tailored to fit any budget or need, so choose the one that resonates with your style and have fun bringing your vision to life.
